Tag Archives: Alternating Double Chain Stitch

Alternating Double Chain Stitch is a variety of Chain stitch that creates an interesting decorative line which you can use around the edge of items, collars necklines etc. If crazy quilting is your thing it makes a simple seam treatment. You can create varieties of Alternating Double Chain Stitch if you widen the second loop by changing the size and angle of the second chain stitch. It is possible to lace novelty yarns through the loops.

You can easily add a bead to the second loop making it a really decorative edge for items such a needlebooks, bags etc The trick to beading during the stitching process is use a size 26 tapestry needle. Since the eye of a tapestry needle is long you can thread perle #8 and Perle #5 through the long eye. However the needle itself is thin which means you can add a bead to your working thread as you stitch.

How to work Alternating Double Chain Stitch

Start Alternating Double Chain Stitch stitch as you would a regular chain stitch. Bring the needle from the back of the fabric and re-insert the needle that the point emerges a short space along the line to be stitched. With the thread wrapped under the needle point pull the needle through the fabric to make the first chain stitch.

Insert your needle at the top right of the first chain stitch and take a larger bite of the fabric. This should be 2 to 3 chain stitch lengths. With the thread wrapped under the needle point pull the needle through.

Next make a regular chain stitch and with the thread wrapped under the needle point pull the needle through.

As illustrated insert your needle on the left side of the chain stitch you just worked and take a larger bite of the fabric that is 2 to 3 chain stitch lengths. With the thread wrapped under the needle point pull the needle through.

Work this way along the line with the larger longer chain alternating from side to side.

I hope you enjoy Alternating Double Chain Stitch!

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